Author: Jodie Jacobs

The World Premiere of ‘Traitor’ at A Red Orchid Theatre is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s ‘An Enemy of the People. Red Orchid ensemble member and playwright, Brett Neveu, adapted Ibsen’s drama and placed it in a fictional northern suburb of Illinois called East Lake.

Directed by Michael Shannon who is also an ensemble member, a founding member of A Red Orchid Theatre and a Tony Award-nominated and Oscar-nominated actor, ‘Traitor ‘is filled with one dozen inter-related characters whose different opinions and goals lead to heated discussions, sudden humor, angry arguments, profanity, and physical fights.

Dr. Tom Stock (Guy Van Swearingen) is the play’s lead, a science teacher who was raised in East Lake, moved away, and returned to his hometown many years later to help establish a new charter school to revitalize the small suburb of East Lake and bring others to the suburb.

His wife, Karla (Dado), is a book editor. Their two children, Molly (Missi Davis) is a first-grade teacher and Randal (Nation Henrikson), is a student at the new charter school.

While teaching at the charter school Tom notices the sluggishness and apathy of some of his students. That leads him to send samples of the school’s area soil to another scientist who finds it contaminated with dangerous levels of lead.

Tom is adamant to bring this severe problem to the town’s attention. He is convinced that with many of his contacts he will be successful.

His outspoken sister, Patty Stock (Kirsten Fitzgerald), is the town’s mayor. A close friend of his is Walter Hove (Larry Grimm), a newspaper editor. Madison Bills (Kristin Ellis) is an associate editor.

Most of the play’s scenes take place in Tom and Karla’s home where their friends and family are constantly coming in and out to visit, share meals, have drinks, and smoke.

But when Tom learns that many local investors in the charter school, including his father-in-law, Howard Kihl (Frank Nall, do not want to expose the school’s lead contamination, he realizes that he alone must release the truth.

Tom is reminded by his wife that many people in his past didn’t like his energy, especially when he stood up for what he believed in, regardless of others’ opinions.

Tom’s retort compares “scathing with honesty” and calls them “interchangeable,” as he devotes every minute to exposing the soil’s contamination.

Following intermission, the audience is led from Red Orchid Theatre to an empty storefront a few doors down. It is set up as the location for East Lake’s town council meeting which grows from verbal arguments over the school’s lead contamination to physical violence.

After feeling like town residents attending the council’s meeting, the audience is led back to their seats at the Red Orchid Theatre for the final scene which focuses on Tom’s goal to convince the East Lake residents to face their town’s serious health issue.

Tom’s wife, Karla, finally sides with her husband when their son, Randal, is rushed to the hospital with lead poisoning.

The rest of the very talented cast includes Jenn Sheffer (Natalie West), a shop owner and council member. The other council members are Fran Wysocki (Mary Jo Bolduc), Bill Strand (Stephen Walker) and Eric Rhyde (Jacob Alexander).

DETAILS: ‘Traitor’ is at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 North Wells Street, Chicago, through February 25, 2018. Running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes. For tickets and other information, call (312)943-8722, or visit A Red Orchid Theatre.

With so many shows in Chicago it is easy to miss one you really meant to see. So here is a reminder of really fine productions that end this month of January, 2018.

‘Turandot,’ Puccini’s glorious fantasy musical portrayal of a cold-hearted princess in ancient China is at the Lyric Opera for just two more performances: Jan. 21 and Jan. 28. For tickets and more information visit Lyric Turandot and Lyric Opera.

If you are a fan of macabre humor you will love this insight into Poe offered by Black Button Eyes Productions’ talented ensemble.

Cast of ‘Nevermore’ at The Edge Theater. The show runs through Jan. 28, 2018. Photo by Cole Simon.

A musical written by Jonathan Christenson (book, music and lyrics), it investigates the life of one of America’s favorite poets and novelists purported to be the father of the modern detective mystery as well as a talented spinner of tales of horror and suspense.

Act One covers separation and death in the young boy’s life as well as his proximity to mental illness which together with an active imagination combined to create horrific visions and fantasies.

Act Two continues to explore the impact of his youthful experiences on his life and his work culminating in a suggestion of mystery surrounding his abrupt and unexplained demise.

Though the material is dark it is skillfully balanced by a lighthearted tongue-in-cheek humor that keeps it entertaining and fun.

The production is brilliantly cast. Each of the seven performers Kevin Webb as Edgar Allan Poe with Megan DeLay, Jessica Lauren Fisher, Ryan Lanning, Matt McNabb, Maiko Terazawaand Jeremy Trager could not be more perfect for their respective roles.

There is no competition on stage or mugging for the spotlight. Director, Ed Rutherford seems to have a clear vision that is well executed including important lighting (Liz Cooper) and sound effects (Robert Hornbostel). The surprise treatment of Poe’s great love “Sissy” is charming.

Music Director Nick Sula with the aid of his three piece band including synthesizer does an outstanding job setting and maintaining the fast pace that keeps the action moving.

If you are familiar with the works of Poe you cannot help but anticipate what they will do with his famous poem the “The Raven” which does not disappoint.

If you are a fan of vocal harmony you will love this score. Though lacking a real breakout number, Christenson’s music is very sophisticated and has a modern but slightly nostalgic feel that lends itself perfectly to the historic storyline.

Every performer has a beautiful voice – so much so that I would be willing to watch this as a concert without the splendid costumes of Beth Laske-Miller and campy choreography of Derek Van Barham.

The venue is super comfy with great sightlines and sound system operated by Kirstin Johnson was well modulated making the rapid musical dialogue easy to hear and understand.

This is a short run so get tickets before it can be seen “nevermore.”

DETAILS: Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, is at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago through Jan. 28, 2018. For tickets and other information visit Black Button Eyes Productions.

Fortunately when schools close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, several Chicago museums answer the what-to-do question with free or discounted admission for Illinois residents. In addition, the Black Ensemble Theater and the Chicago Children’s Theatre also have programs.

At the Art Institute of Chicago, the Ryan Learning Center (entrance at the Modern Wing, 159 East Monroe St. is doing “Say it Loud” program of story telling, arts and discussions from 10 :30 a.m. to 3 p.m. No registration needed. However, admission to the museum is also free that day for all Illinois residents as part Free Winter Weekdays, January 8–February 15, 2018.

Four Chicago doings, call them the ABCDs, are here to chase away January gloom.

Winifred Godfrey ‘Flowers’ show is at Beverly Art Center

A is for an amazing art show of the works of homegrown, internationally known artist, Winifred Godfrey. Running from Jan. 14 through Feb. 25, 2018 at the Beverly Art Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, the show brightens the indoor landscape with her famed flowers. The opening reception is Jan. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m.. For more information call (773) 445-3838 and visit Beverly Art Center Events.

Chicago Boat Show is on now with lots of fun activities

B stands for boat show. The annual Chicago Boat, RV and Sail Show is back in town. Held now through Jan. 14, 2018 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, the show becomes a fun family day. There’s hands-on activities ranging from fishing and paddle sports to lessons, seminars and virtual reality experiences. For tickets and more information visit Chicago Boat Show.

SketchFest is in Stage 773’s various spaces including the Pro. Stage 773 photo.

C banishes the doldrums with comedy. The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival returns to the city Jan. 11 through 21, 2018 at Stage 773. The venue is a theater complex at 1225 W. Belmont Ave. What to expect: 130 shows by returning troupes and new artists. Among the highlights is “ The Future is Female: A discussion with women about the climate of Chicago comedy,” Jan. 20, 3 p.m. in the Thrust theater with panelists from The Second City, Susan Messing of Annoyance Theater and WGN Radio’s Patti Vasquez. For schedule, tickets and other information call (773) 327- 5252 and visit Chicago Sketch Fest. www.chicagosketchfest.com.

Writers Theatre in GlencoeJodie Jacobs photo

D is for that important word “discount” because $10 and $15 or less tickets are now available for Chicago Theatre Week. The annual week when Chicago area production companies have tickets for their shows at special prices is Feb. 8 through Feb. 18, 2018. But tickets for shows that week went on sale Jan. 9 and they go quickly. To snag the show you want visit Chicago Theatre Week. To see a list of all shows visit League of Chicago Theatres at Chicago Plays.

Theatergoers in the Chicago area are blessed with more good shows then can be seen given normal time schedules of work and play. And given that people’s interests are as varied as the offerings from the area’s approximately 250 companies, one person’s idea of paradise may be someone’s purgatory.

So it’s OK to write in the comment space your favorite show of 2017 whether our reviewers included it here in our Chicago Theater and Arts’ list or not.

The shows listed here are by no means the only great productions mounted in 2017 by Chicago’s talented theater community. The list could easily extend to the top 10 or 20 shows. It was hard for reviewers to pick just one but several factors were taken into consideration. Now, let’s hear your choice.

JJ

Ragtime – The Griffin Theatre Company, Chicago

Last summer’s production of ‘Ragtime’ by Griffin Theatre provided audiences with a new take on the Tony Award-winning musical. This spectacular production featured new orchestrations of the play performed with two pianos, a wind instrument and 20 actors. Created by director Scott Weinstein and music director Matt Deitchman, this All-American musical brought new perspectives on racism, immigration, social justice and other issues in a changing America, and literally, brought the house down!

Mira Temkin

‘Silent Sky’ at First Folio was a powerful play

Silent Sky – First Folio Theatre, Oak Brook

‘Silent Sky’ by Lauren Gunderson is a touching, true story of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, a historic but unsung astronomer at Harvard University’s observatory in the early 1900s who was never allowed to use a telescope. Leavitt was a “hidden figure” before the female African American human computers whose work made the early NASA space launches possible. In this production, both the cast and the faux sky sparkled brilliantly at First Folio Theatre on the Mayslake Peabody Estate. (The property is in a forest preserve in Oak Brook).

I love the story and music of ‘Billy Elliot’ and Porchlight really did
justice to it on a very intimate stage.

Reno Lovison

Fun Home– Victory Gardens, Chicago

While I sat on the edge of my seat at the Victory Gardens Theater watching ‘Fun Home,’ I experienced a plethora of emotional family issues on several levels—from parent/child relationships and sibling interactions to growing up, coming out, and leaving one’s family. That’s what set the stage for ‘Fun Home,’ a musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s 2006 personal, graphic novel of the same name. It was presented on a sparse stage that easily allowed the audience to focus on the family’s characters. And the show’s music, especially its finale, “Flying Away,” brought the audience to its feet.

Francine Pappadis Friedman

Cast of ‘Fun Home’ at Victory Garden Theater. (Liz Lauren photo)

The Book of Will – Northlight Theatre, Skokie

In ‘The Book of Will,’ playwright Lauren Gunderson shows how an appreciation of William Shakespeare’s works by his players, friends and families likely led to the publication of the Bard’s works in the 1623 First Folio. Scholars and playgoers understand the importance of the First Folio but its significance is truly felt in the show’s last scene when brilliant staging brings it all together.

The children in the audience were completely mesmerized by Peter and the Darling children as they flew through the air. I heard one child say, “Are they really flying?”

The antics of the Lion, Kangaroo, Ostrich and of course, Nana the dog, brought gales of laughter from the children.

Bring your family and share the ‘Peter Pan’ you loved as a child with your own youngsters.

‘Peter Pan’ is Music Theater Works’ final production of 2017. The 2018 season will begin with ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ (June 9-17), and continues with ‘Anything Goes’ (Aug. 18-26), the concert performance ‘Judy Garland: Come Rain or Come Shine ‘starring Angela Ingersoll (Oct. 5-14) and ‘Into the Woods’ (Dec. 22-31).

DETAILS: ‘Peter Pan’ is a Music Theater Works production at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. Running time is 2 hours 30 minutes with two intermissions. For tickets or for more information, call (847) 920-5360 or visit Music Theater Works.

Considered the world’s greatest entertainer, Sammy Davis Jr could do it all…sing, dance and act.

Through both dramatic interpretation and high-energy tap dancing, the Black Ensemble Theatre brings this star to life in ‘Sammy: A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.’ now through Jan. 21, 2018.

In this dynamic musical revue, the entire cast pays homage to the legendary talent as well as his commitment to fighting bigotry and racism.

Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, the show tells the story of Sammy Davis Jr. who started out dancing with his parents at age 2 in vaudeville, through his success in Las Vegas to his achievements on Broadway, films, television and record albums.

The outstanding on-stage hoofing was choreographed by Rueben Echoles, who also appears in the show. Featuring Michael Adkins, Kenny Davis, Dwight Neal, Nathan Cooper, Mark Yacullo, Trequon Tate, and Brian Boler, the cast sings and dances their way through Sammy’s greatest hits.

Not to be undone are the talented ladies who belt it out and narrate the story: Rhonda Preston, Emily Hawkins, Kylah Williams and Linnea Norwood.

Songs like “Birth of the Blues,” “Candy Man,” “Mr. Bojangles” and “I Gotta Be Me” infused with a contemporary beat brought back so many memories.

The performers were accompanied by a live 7-piece orchestra perched above the stage with musical direction by Robert Reddrick.

The audience enjoyed seeing the Rat Pack on stage once again, mesmerized by the music of Ole Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra (Cooper) and the King of Cool, Dean Martin (Yacullo) who played their roles with suave sophistication. And they were saddened by Davis’ personal setbacks. Interspersed throughout the play were stories of Jim Crow laws, where Davis could perform at the Las Vegas hotel, but couldn’t stay there.

The show, produced by Black Ensemble Theatre Founder and CEO, Jackie Taylor, is a wonderful tribute to an amazing artist and humanitarian.

DETAILS: Sammy – A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr is playing at the Black Ensemble Theatre, 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago through Jan. 21, 2018. Running time: Approximately 2 hours with intermission. For tickets, and other information, call 773-769-4451 or visit Blackensemble .

Look for the 2018 season to kick off with ‘Hail, Hail Chuck – A Tribute to Chuck Berry’ running February 17 – April 1, 2018.

For shear spectacle “Turandot” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago is worth seeing.

Chinese Princess, Turandot, has proffered a challenge to all eligible Princes, that he who can successfully answer three riddles asked by her shall win her love. Unsuccessful suitors will forfeit their life by beheading at sunrise.

The bigger question is whether Turandot is actually interested in love or is she more interested in exacting revenge on all men for the death of her ancestor Princess Lo-u-Ling?

Enter Prince Calaf, a stranger who is immediately smitten by Turandot. He cannot resist the challenge in spite of the pleading of the Ping, Pang and Pong whose duty it is to prepare all matters related to either the execution or the wedding.

Weary of the many deaths, the trio attempts to lure Calaf with the promise of hundreds of other beautiful women but to no avail. Neither can Calaf be dissuaded by his father’s faithful slave woman Liu whose love for him is pure and deep, based on the fact that he smiled at her.

Photo courtesy of Lyric website

With an impressive, if somewhat cliché, set by production designer Allen Charles Klein and lighting by Chris Maravich, once the curtain is up and the chorus begins to sing the audience is immediately drawn to the performance.

The large lighted glass sphere center stage adds to the exotic illusion of the intersection of heaven and earth as well as the theme of hot and cold. The use of wood, moonlight and lantern-light combined with the muted tones of the costumes contributes to a feeling of a mythological ancient Chinese experience with an overarching sense of foreboding.

Soprano Amber Wagner who appears in the title role has a powerful voice that soars above the entire company providing the character of Turandot with a commanding vocal presence the role requires.

Unfortunately, she has difficulty projecting the complex dichotomy required to be a convincing alluring “ice princess.” This was compounded by her costume being the only one, including the headdress, that seemed inappropriate and did not contribute to the realization of the essence of her character.

Stefano La Colla as Calaf in his Lyric debut is charming though he never really commands the stage. In Act One he was lost in the crowd and at times he seemed unsure where he should be. In spite of that, the much anticipated “Nessun Dorma” in Act Three does not disappoint.

Also appearing in her Lyric debut is soprano Maria Agresta as Liu who offers what is perhaps the most dramatic performance. This is due in large part to the sympathetic nature of the role itself but also to her sensitive portrayal and beautiful voice.

Ping, Pang, and Pong played by Zachary Nelson, Rodell Rosel, and Keith Jameson are veterans of the Lyric who provide wonderful energy and comic relief.

The Lyric chorus and orchestra are outstanding as always. At times the stage is crowded with more than 75 singers including the addition of more than 20 members of the Chicago Children’s Chorus who contribute another level of texture to the vocal tapestry.

Puccini’s score riddled with Asian influences is not driven by melody but is rather a complex nuanced series of compositions more reminiscent of a symphony. This really gives the orchestra an opportunity to shine because they are as important as the singers not simply accompanists.

The third act is dominated by “Nessun Dorma” which is perhaps the most melodious number. It is cleverly reprised for the finale leaving the production with a powerful musical finish and the audience with a tune we can all hum on the way out the door.

This “commercial” ending is a bit out of step and perhaps belies the fact that composer Giacomo Puccini died before he could finish the opera.

The story has a few moral and ethnocentric issues that may be considered to be in conflict with modern sensibilities. This can be a distraction for some but consider using it as an opportunity for thoughtful contemplation and discussion of social change while you simply enjoy the music and the shear spectacle of a grand tradition.

“Turandot” is at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago, through January 27, 2018. Running time: 2 hours, 50 minutes with two intermissions. For tickets and more information visit Lyric Opera.

It’s a love story, a tale about friendship and a jukebox musical that will have you singing right along. ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical,’ tells the inspiring story of singer-songwriter Carole King from her teenage passion for composing music to becoming an award-winning solo performer.

Co-writing with partner and then husband, Gerry Goffin, this prolific team wrote some of the most popular songs of the 60s and 70s era including “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “The Locomotion” and “One Fine Day.”

Most of their hits were performed by other artists, launching their success such as “Pleasant Valley Sunday” by the Monkees, “A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin and “Up on the Roof” by the Drifters.

Not until King finally had the strength to go solo with her 1971 hit album, “Tapestry,” was her own voice finally heard.

The music of friendly competitors and best friends, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, also made up part of the story with their own popular hits like “Walking in the Rain,” “We Gotta Get Out of this Place” and “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling.”

More than 400 of King’s compositions have been recorded by over 1,000 artists and earning six Grammy awards. Many audience members were surprised at the sheer number of songs she composed.

The book, written by Tony and Academy-Award nominee Douglas McGrath, is directed by Marc Bruni with high-energy choreography by Josh Prince. Outstanding set design that moves with total precision was by Derek McLane.

This National Tour of Beautiful, featured the excellent Sarah Bockel as Carole King. Bockel’s sheer energy and enthusiasm was absolutely infectious. Her beautiful voice and pure joy had the audience celebrating her triumphs and sharing her pain.

Andrew Brewer as the troubled charmer, Gerry Goffin, carried the role with strong vocals and a confident swagger. Funny, poignant and heart-breaking, the show will have you leave truely singing a love song to Carole King.

DETAILS: ‘Beautiful’ is playing at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph Street, Chicago through January 28. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission. For tickets and other information, call Broadway in Chicago Ticket Line (800) 775-2000 or visit Broadway In Chicago.